Karnah, Oct 24: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has established two community-based conservation and multiplication units for indigenous Karnah sheep in Batlan village, alongside distributing livestock feed, mineral supplements and veterinary medicines to support sheep breeders in the remote border region.

The initiative was undertaken on October 22–23 by the Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (FVSc & AH), Shuhama, under the ICAR–NBAGR Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai.
Each conservation unit comprises four ewes and one ram, bringing the total to eight ewes and two rams. The programme also provided 60 bags of feed, 100 packets of mineral mixture and essential veterinary medicines to support flock health and productivity.
Prof. Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Dean, FVSc & AH, Shuhama, who attended as Chief Guest, underscored the importance of conserving indigenous livestock breeds for climate resilience, sustainable livestock production and rural livelihoods.
Prof. Syed Shahnaz Shafi, Professor and Head, Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, stressed the need for scientific breeding and systematic conservation of Karnah sheep, which are adapted to the challenging agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir Himalayas.
Scientists conducted field surveys and visited sheep flocks in Dildar, Gomal, Hajitra, Chota Kursi, Batlan and Jabdi villages, assessing flock management practices and identifying farmers’ breeding, nutrition and animal healthcare needs. Dr. Shahid Ahmad Shergojry, Associate Professor-cum-Senior Scientist, also sensitised breeders on genetic improvement, balanced nutrition, disease prevention and scientific flock management.
More than 60 sheep breeders benefited from the awareness and field-level activities, while 10 technical consultations addressed concerns related to breeding, feeding, flock management and animal healthcare.
The programme was attended by Dr. Fasal Hassan Dedmare, Sheep Development Officer; Dr. Meraj Ahmad Bhat, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Tangdhar; Dr. Saba Bukhari; departmental officials; and local sheep breeders, including women beneficiaries.
The initiative reinforces SKUAST-K’s efforts to conserve the genetic identity of Karnah sheep while strengthening community participation and supporting livestock-based livelihoods in the border region. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Fasal Hassan Dedmare, who acknowledged the contributions of all participating stakeholders.